Albacore continued

[greenman407]

The Deans plug arrived, but didnt work out as there wasnt quite enough room for it along with all the wires. So, I soldered them onto the male deans plug. I got it into the Hydrothermic aqueous research tank(kiddie pool) today and pinpointed roughly how much additional foam would be needed as well as the location. Boy I hit that one dead on the button nail. She sits perfect as you can see in the pictures. Even the bugs agree, perfect submerged trim. I want as much buoyancy as I can get on this ride.................The bad news is that I discovered before I put it in the pool that Ive got some major stress cracks in the poly-carbonate tube that I purchased and made into the forward section of this WTC. Of course I dont know for sure but it might have something to do with the CA that I used to glue in a rail to the inside of the Battery section. I think that CA and these tubes dont mix if you use it on a relatively large area. So I ordered another section and when it gets here I will start carving it up. So as you can see, this boat has got a lot of foam in it. Absolutely necessary to counter the large amount of weight in the keel added to keep Her from torque rolling. Man I hate that!

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

Man ... this thing is going to pull one big bubble behind it. Can't wait for a patrol report.Very nice, clean finish, Mark. Now ... weather that sucker! Great looking project, can't wait to see some video of this thing tearing around the lake.

M

[greenman407]

Thanks Dave. Its been a while since I mentioned it so, the sail that I got from Dave has a working rudder on it. I have it operated by a servo thats hooked into one side of the mixer. In other words when I engage the rudders on the stern, the sail rudder will also operate in kind. During operation I will determine If it has any effect on keeping the sub from rolling in the fast turns. If it does work then I will make adjustments by moving the pushrod in the servo horn closer or farther away from its axis. I can also do the same on the sail rudder actuator arm.

[greenman407]

I received my three inch Polycarbonate tube a week or so ago, so before it starts rusting, Id better get at it. As youll recall, in our last numbing episode, my fantastic, Frakenstein hybrid 3"/3&1/2" Subdriver whanabe developed cracks in the battery compartment, I believe, due to stresses caused by using CA on its inside surface. So I started today tearing it apart to free up all of its components for install into the new one. Since I installed the APC into the forward compartment, it required un-soldering many wires. Oh the pain and Drudgery. So tomorrow I will begin transferring dimensions to the new one and carving it up.

[HardRock]

Remember Mark, measure twice, butcher once!

[greenman407]

Thats Amazing! Whoda thunkit? My reputation must precede me.

[greenman407]

Today I cut the new 3" diameter portion of the WTC to length, drilled the holes and tapped the 2/56 screws for the vent. I ended up adding a 1/4" of length to the battery compartment to help with all the stuff in there. Next will come the removal of the equipment from the old WTC and there install in this one.

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

Are those cracks in the holes you punched into the Lexan?!...... what are you using, a Mason's bit?????

You people!

M

[greenman407]

Cracks? No, no cracks. I think what you are seeing are the fine marker marks that I used to locate my holes. No cracks I assure you.

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

Are you ... shhhuuuurrrrreeee?

M

[greenman407]

Yep. I also know that you are just messing with me, trying to get a rise out of me. I know you!

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

(busted)....

[Slats]

Mark, beautiful work. J

[Slats]

Re cracks in the lexan tube. - David I have always used a drill press, cradle for the WTC and stock standard plastic/ wood / drill bits, and drilled small pilot holes first. What technique do you use to ensure there is no cracks forming?
Cheers
John

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

Re cracks in the lexan tube. - David I have always used a drill press, cradle for the WTC and stock standard plastic/ wood / drill bits, and drilled small pilot holes first. What technique do you use to ensure there is no cracks forming?
Cheers
John

Nothing special for Lexan. Standard drill bits at moderate speed and feed.

M